Power / Status

Why Altruism and Self-Importance Do Not Mix

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Altruism is the act of putting others’ well-being above one’s own. Self-importance is the belief that one is superior or more deserving than others. These two concepts are incompatible and often lead to conflict and dissatisfaction. This article explores the benefits of altruism and the drawbacks of self-importance, as well as the psychological factors that influence them.

It also examines how altruism and self-interest can be balanced in a healthy and productive way. By understanding what is altruism and what is self-importance, one can learn to cultivate a more compassionate and humble attitude towards oneself and others. The article also shows how vulnerability plays a key role in fostering altruism and overcoming pride, which can hinder one’s personal growth and happiness.

Why Attacking the Person Behind an Argument Is an Automatic Loss

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Many people resort to ad hominem fallacy when they cannot refute an argument on its merits. This is a bad strategy that undermines their credibility and damages their relationships. In this article, you will learn why ad hominem fallacy is bad, how to avoid personal attacks in debates, how to argue logically and respectfully, how to handle criticism gracefully, and how to disagree without being disagreeable. You will also discover how to focus on the ideas rather than the people behind them, how to avoid exposing your motivations and biases, and how to respect the views of others even if you do not share them.

How to Make the Best Impression at a Reunion

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Have you ever looked at an old photo of yourself and cringed at the idea of who you presented yourself to be? You may have been your authentic self at that time, but as you’ve evolved, so have your interests, looks, and ideas. What you wore 10 years ago may look silly today. Your hairstyle … Read more

How to Discourage People From Getting Too Comfortable Around You

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Some people may think that being comfortable around others is a sign of good rapport and trust. However, this can also lead to unwanted consequences, such as blurred boundaries, inappropriate behavior, and reduced productivity. How can one avoid getting too comfortable or letting others get too comfortable around them?

This article offers some practical tips and strategies on how to set healthy boundaries at work, how to deal with overfriendly colleagues, how to avoid oversharing personal information, how to maintain a professional image, and how to say no politely. By following these guidelines, one can ensure that they are respected and valued for their work, not for their personal life or preferences. Moreover, one can also prevent potential conflicts, misunderstandings, and awkward situations that may arise from being too comfortable around others.

Why You Shouldn’t Smile in Every Photo

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This article’s title is meant to be a metaphor for doing or saying something so often, that it loses meaning. Specifically, it hints at not over-utilizing techniques of persuading people. You likely know individuals who are so focused on being charismatic, that their charisma begins to lose its potency to those who know them well. We … Read more

Why Having the Right “Enemies” Can Benefit You

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Many people think that having enemies is a bad thing. They try to avoid conflict, competition, and confrontation at all costs. However, this article will show that having the right enemies can actually benefit you in many ways. Enemies can motivate you to work harder, improve your performance, spark innovation, challenge you to grow, and foster collaboration with others who share your goals.

The article will also explain how to strategically adopt enemies who can help you achieve your desired outcomes, and how to limit the negative consequences of having enemies who can harm you. By the end of this article, you will learn how to use your enemies as a source of inspiration and improvement, rather than a source of fear and frustration.

Why You Should Agree With Excuses for Your Success

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Many people struggle with accepting compliments and praise for their achievements. They may feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even guilty for being successful. They may also face criticism, envy, or resentment from others who make excuses for their own lack of success.

How can you deal with these situations in a positive and respectful way? How can you maintain a success mindset without becoming arrogant or complacent? How can you express humility and gratitude for your success without undermining yourself or others? How can you use feedback to improve your performance and help others grow? These are some of the questions that this article will explore. You will learn how to agree with excuses for your success and why this can benefit you and those around you.

Why It’s Strategic to Downplay Your Experience

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Many people think that the best way to land a job or a promotion is to showcase their skills and experience as much as possible. They may exaggerate their achievements, boast about their accomplishments, or even lie about their qualifications. But what if there was a better strategy? What if downplaying your experience could actually make you more attractive to employers?

This article explores the benefits of being modest and understating your skills in various situations. You will learn how to avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence and humblebragging, and how to use modesty as a tool to impress employers and advance your career.